"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." 

I have always appreciated this proverb. To me, observing a new environment is as fascinating as learning a new language. During my time in France, I embraced the local conversational style—engaging in spirited, overlapping dialogue and expressing my views with a clarity I had always valued, even back in Japan.

However, I believe you can remain true to yourself wherever you are. Your core values are not easily displaced, and it is perfectly natural to find certain cultural norms challenging to embrace.

But where is the line? 

For instance, I grappled with the traditional French perspective on early childhood. 

I noticed a tendency to view small children as "incomplete adults" requiring strict discipline to become "human," rather than trusting in a child's innate ability to learn through observation. This was not a critique of a system, but an observation of a deep-seated cultural mindset. Conversely, I found that the autonomy and rights of high school students were often more deeply respected in France than in Japan.

Ultimately, I learned that cultural integration is a nuanced dance. You don't have to blindly mirror your surroundings, nor should you stubbornly retreat from them. 

The key is to consciously choose how you engage with the world around you.